With the holiday season upon us, many parents in Kentucky are out and about trying to find the perfect gifts for their children. However, what most parents don't realize is that there are several dangerous products on the market that could pose a threat to their little ones.

Recently, the consumer watchdog U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) released its 26th Annual Survey of Toy Safety, revealing toys that fail to meet safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other groups.

Here are four types of dangerous toys to be aware of, according to the report:

Toys containing lead: Research has linked contact with lead to IQ deficits, ADHD and problems with motor skills in kids. Even though products manufactured after Aug. 14, 2011 can only have 100 parts-per-million (ppm) of lead by law, several toys on the market have much more.

Toys with phthalates: Phthalates are compounds used in plastics to make them more flexible and durable. The problem is, they have also been tied to birth defects, premature delivery and other reproductive problems. In 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act banned products with phthalate levels greater than 1000 ppm, but these products are still sold.

Toys that pose a choking hazard: There are many toys available today with small parts that could pose choking hazards to children. Many of the toys also lack the necessary warnings about this threat. Toys that could pose a choking hazard include small building blocks, dolls and stuffed animals with removable small parts, and other tiny toys.

Toys producing loud noise: Toys that make noise may be popular with young children, but that does not necessarily mean they are safe. The CPSC only allows close-to-the-ear toys to produce a maximum of 65 dB of sound when the toy is 1 inch from the ear, but several toys on the market have tested louder, which could damage hearing.

Keep these safety tips in mind as you venture out to find the perfect toys for the tots in your life. Remember, just because a toy is sold at a popular store might not guarantee that the toy is safe.

Source: CBS News, "Trouble in Toyland? 24 toys deemed dangerous," Nov. 24, 2011.